Thoughts on aging gracefully while still making significant contributions to society.

It ain't over 'til it's over!

At least three more of our fellow-classmates have died in the first half of 2011. I say ‘at least’ because we’re only sure of three. For those of us that remain and about to start turning 70, it may be a good time to face some of the challenges/advantages of our ‘senior’ years.

As an intro to the subject, I want to quote some things found in a book called “The Disciplines of Life” written in 1948 by the then President of Wheaton College, V. Raymond Edman.

”And it came to pass, when Samuel was old. .
.”(I Sam. 8:1)

There are disciplines of childhood:
diligence to obey parents and decision to accept the gospel invitation; of adolescence: dependability, delight, determination, and discipleship; of mature years: duty, darkness, delay, diversion, distinction; there is also that of old age.

It is different from earlier disciplines;nevertheless, just as real, with results for good or ill that can help or hinder the rising generation. Samuel,
the last of the judges of Israel, affords an excellent illustration of this discipline of declining days.

At Southeast we were taught certain ‘disciplines’ including the virtues of the Roundtable. Our Principle & Vice Principle were men of disciplines.So we know not to be afraid of that word.

Declining years bring decrease of activities and responsibilities. The Tireless
Thirties and Roaring Forties have given way to the Sensible Sixties and the
Slackening Seventies. To grow old gracefully and graciously is a triumph; not to do so is a tragedy. There are those who will never admit to themselves or to
others that they have passed the period of their effectiveness and service; and
with hard hand and harsh voice they insist upon their place and position, which long since they have ceased to fill…

The discipline of declining days that comes when days wane and strength
subsides, when doors close and comforters depart, when others bear the heat and the burden of the day; then to grow old graciously and sweetly; to grant
responsibilities to stronger, though less experienced, hands of our sons or
those of others; to adapt oneself to the demands of a new day; and above all, to
pray for others and to serve the Lord in whatever hidden ministry may be ours.
Thus disciplined in spirit we are sweetness and strength to those who need us
most.

That’s right, we’ve got to move on to new things. If you haven’t heard of Twitter and Tweets or know some body that does- well, have we got some fun things for the new year!

Follow us on Twitter

If you click “tweetie” the bird you will go to our brand new page on Twitter. You will be able to see it but Twitter will ask you to sign in and if you don’t yet have an account they will offer you to start one. We in effect are sponsoring the SoutheastKCMO twitter page for all alumni, not just the class of ’60.

So come help us with the new project: it’s easy and it will be fun. We will be able to combine with our blog by ‘tweeting’ links that will bring folks back to one of earlier posts. Be sure to make suggestions of other Twitter accounts in Kansas City to follow on Twitter.

Surely most of us have realized by now that reaching “senior” status does have some advantages in our society. One of those most dear to me is the freedom to think about the basic issues of life with a greater maturity than ever before. This maturity has not come without costs. We’ve had to pay our dues in many ways; sometimes, painful ways.

Since we already introduced the subject of prayer, I hope my classmates will allow me to go ahead and bring in the unnamed ‘gorilla’ that many of us just didn’t feel free to discuss out in public much, and suggest that with our maturity, we surely now can say something about.

GOD in AMERICA– the name of a PBS series that aired last October, attempts to address the role of faith in God in America’s history. Personally,I am ready to suggest that this is closer to the actual history of America than anything produced to date. The subject is far reaching in what needs to be honestly admitted about the variety of faith traditions that were here almost from the very beginning. Take a look at the home page and see if you agree.

I have trouble remembering many of the details of our life at the Castle, but it seems to me that everyone celebrates some of these holidays now much more than back then. I have memories of valentine card exchanges in the grade school years but not at Southeast. Is it possible that today the celebration of Valentine’s Day has taken on increased significance?

Read the blurb at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine’s_Day
See what you think. If you can remember, leave a comment about a special valentine gift. May all our class-mates enjoy Valentine’s Day this year with those you love!

As we went out into the world following our graduation, I doubt that any of us had any idea of what our country would face in the 60’s much less for the rest of our lives. The home that I was raised in had a strong “southern” heritage. Whenever the subject of Dr. King came up, he was not spoken of with any degree of respect. How was it in your home?

Now fifty years later, I have come to have the greatest respect for this man of peace and what he stood and spoke out for in our generation. I urge my fellow classmates to join me today in honoring the memory of Dr. King by listening to the burden of his life as a loyal Christian and a loyal American.

For what it is worth, the cause for which he gave his life appears to me one that continues to demand breaking the silence now more than ever in America. But we must learn to do so in a peaceful, non-violent way that respects our neighbor and their right to disagree publically. And Dr. King can serve as a model of how we can learn to do that even on the most difficult subjects.

It’s been a great year of celebrating our 50th Anniversary! What better way to go out in style than to recall one of my favorite Kansas City scenes at this time of year- the lights at The Country Club Plaza. Here’s hoping that each one had a wonderful celebration and will have a very meaningful Christmas and a happy new year.

Unless I’m mistaken, the Class of 1960 was the first graduating class at Southeast High to have an African-American graduate. So as we head into December, I want to dedicate this post to him, wherever he may be.

When we were graduating, Kwanzaa did not exist. It was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor of African Studies at California State University-Long Beach. Dr. Karenga is author of the book, “Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community, and Culture”. His intent was to focus on the African struggle to achieve social justice, to build unity, and to strengthen African heritage.

For those interested about the seven-day celebration begining December 29, go to the offcial website. To see how Kwanzaa is presented in Kentucky schools, read the article in Kentucky Magazine.
To all our fellow Southeast Alumni and present students, Heri za Kwanzaa! Do any of you have a Twitter account? If so, you can find me @e4unity.